Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the patterns of cranial trauma detected on computed tomography (CT) scans obtained following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and to evaluate neurotrauma management under disaster conditions.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on cranial CT scans performed between February 6 and 13, 2023, at a state hospital in Hatay that remained operational throughout the disaster. Patients with poor-quality CT scans or pre-existing neurological conditions were excluded. Two neurosurgeons independently evaluated the images for skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhages, and pneumocephalus, resolving discrepancies by consensus. Surgical indications and outcomes were also recorded.
Results: Of 576 patients evaluated, 544 met inclusion criteria (280 males, 264 females). No acute traumatic cranial pathology was detected in 497 patients (91.4%). The most frequent lesion was a linear skull fracture (4.2%), followed by subdural, epidural, and parenchymal hematomas (each 1.7%) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (1.4%). Five patients (0.9%) required surgical intervention, and one postoperative death occurred. Patient admissions peaked within the first three days post-earthquake. Most head injuries were minor, with severe neurotrauma being uncommon.
Conclusion: The majority of post-earthquake cranial CT scans revealed no significant pathology, suggesting that most head injuries were mild. Efficient triage systems, rational CT utilization, and prompt multidisciplinary coordination are crucial for optimizing neurotrauma care in disaster settings.

Key words: Earthquake, head injury, cranial trauma, computed tomography, neurotrauma, disaster medicine